Deputy shot in bank robbery attempt

NATCHEZ, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

An Adams County Sheriff's Deputy was shot today while responding to a bank robbery in Natchez. It happened at United Mississippi Bank on Sergeant Prentiss Road.

Three Adams County Sheriff's deputies were about to have lunch inside KFC on Highway 61 South around noon Friday when someone alerted them to a masked man about to rob the bank. The deputies looked around United Mississippi Bank on Highway 61 South when they came within feet of a gunman carrying out cash.

"As soon as he saw him he raised his firearm and fired three shots. One of which hit deputy Buddy Frank," said Sheriff Chuck Mayfield. He said the 20-year veteran deputy was shot in the leg and then fired three shots at the fleeing suspect. One bullet struck the masked man in the back.

The other two deputies pursued the robber through the Natchez Ford dealership where the suspect fired at an employee. He ran into a neighborhood, then behind the Plantation Manor Apartment complex.

"There's a creek that runs right next to him, St. Catherine Creek. It is a fairly deep ravine to get down to that. We located him on that ravine," said Sheriff Mayfield.

Kendrick Smith suffered a gunshot wound to the upper back. He was rushed to the hospital. The 23-year-old faces charges of armed robbery, three counts assault on an officer and at least one count of aggravated assault for firing at a ford dealership employee. The stolen money and a handgun were recovered.

"When it really got bad, they stood their ground and did the right thing," said Sheriff Mayfield. "I'm proud of them, proud of the department. I have the best department in the state."

Deputy Frank was treated at Natchez Regional Medical Center and released Friday. Kendrick Smith underwent emergency surgery and remains in the hospital.